Tragedy struck once again in Plateau State as gunmen launched a deadly assault on Bindi, a village in the Ta-Hoss district of Riyom Local Government Area, late Monday night. At least 20 people lost their lives in the attack, which has sent shockwaves through the region.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers, believed to be armed herders, carried out a brutal operation that saw them moving from house to house under the cover of darkness. The victims reportedly included women, children, and elderly residents who could not escape the onslaught.
Several others sustained injuries during the invasion, while many fled into nearby bushes seeking refuge. Homes were allegedly set ablaze, leaving families homeless and traumatized.
In a statement released Tuesday by the local chapter of the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), the group expressed anger and sorrow over the incident. According to Gideon Manjal and Gadu Daniel Dong, the chapter’s Chairman and Publicity Secretary, the community has faced repeated attacks with minimal protection from authorities.
“Despite the presence of security forces in the vicinity, this attack still occurred. This points to either serious lapses or disregard for the ongoing threats to our people,” the statement said.
The group claimed that the gunmen had been previously identified by community leaders and that their locations had been repeatedly reported to the authorities. They questioned why no decisive action had been taken to neutralize the threat.
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“The continuous loss of lives raises difficult questions about the effectiveness and intent of the security apparatus. Our communities are not protected, and our warnings have gone unheeded,” COPDEM stated.
The coalition called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Plateau State Government, and national security agencies to intervene immediately. They urged the deployment of specialized military forces to dismantle what they described as well-known hideouts of the attackers.
In addition to military action, the group demanded relief supplies, mental health support, and rebuilding efforts for displaced residents. They also condemned what they see as performative responses from political leaders, insisting that condolences alone will not restore peace.
“Our people deserve more than visits and statements. They deserve safety, justice, and the right to live on their ancestral land without fear,” the statement concluded.
As of Tuesday afternoon, official confirmation of the death toll was still awaited from security agencies. However, local leaders have declared a period of mourning as recovery efforts continue.
